We asked if we could bring the bikes into the park with us but the security guard told us that bikes aren't allowed into the park and that we should lock them to the bike railings just outside.

Seeing we were reluctant to leave them there, he assured us he would keep an eye on the bikes, and given his booth was just 5 meters away, we decided to go along with his terms.

We returned an hour later to check on the bikes and were met with the utter horror of returning to just one bicycle. Our hearts sank and the tears began to flow.

In a fit of rage George jumped on his bike and rode around furiously trying to locate the stolen steed but to no avail. We found out later that most of the bike thieves belong to gangs and are almost always armed with knives and guns, so it was probably a good thing he didn't find them!

Unfortunately our trip is now in a pickle as we don't have enough money to replace the bike and we would therefore like to ask for a few pennies here and there from anyone who can help keep our trip alive. All funds will be used solely to buy a new bicycle.

We really appreciate all the love and kind offers we've had so far in response to this.